When it comes to gun violence, people usually try to pinpoint the root cause. Is it mental illness? Is it easy access to firearms? Many people are left wanting answers after any sort of particular tragedy. But when it's a situation involving guns and ammo, people wonder who's to blame. And these are just some of the ideas that will be touched upon in Jeffrey W. Swanson's lecture “The Truth About Gun Violence and Mental Illness.” Swanson, who is currently a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University School of Medicine, will give this lecture twice: once at the Domenici Center for Health Sciences Education (1001 Stanford NE) on Tuesday, Feb. 25, and also in Santa Fe at the Center for Contemporary Arts Cinematheque (1050 Old Pecos Trail) on Wednesday, Feb. 26. The lecture starts at 6pm on both days, and is free and open to the public. However, due to limited seating, registration is recommended. In this informative talk, folks will gain better insight into ongoing trends and research, which will give a better understanding over whether incidents involving gun violence can be predicted or prevented. (Mark Lopez)

In the words of Dean Martin, “Baby, it's cold outside.” So lend a helping hand to the homeless folks in Burque by contributing to Astro-Zombies' 8th Annual Holiday Sleeping Bag Drive. Now through Saturday, Dec. 24, drop off new, adult-sized cold weather sleeping bags at the comic store to help local homeless people weather the winter cold. The bags will be distributed throughout the community on Christmas Eve. And for each bag you donate, you'll also be entered in a raffle to win awesome prizes from the likes of Masks Y Mas, Rude Boy Cookies, Archetype Dermigraphic Studio and more. After all, when told, “Baby, you'd freeze out there,” even Dean's lady asked him to lend her a coat. (Renée Chavez)